Featured Costume Design and Character Styling
Welcome to my world of character architecture. Every costume I create is a story, assembled with passion to bring a director's vision to life on screen.
For Mrunal Thakur's character Rabia, we created a wardrobe that felt like a collection of treasures from her travels. This look layers a custom-designed top with a flowing plaid skirt, cinched with a statement belt. It’s a perfect example of the boho-chic, free-spirited style we built for her character in 'Son of Sardaar 2'.
My process is deeply rooted in color theory. For Ajay Devgn's character Jassi, we used specific Pantone shades like 'Beetle Wing' and 'Roasted Cashew' to create a unique and memorable visual identity. This level of detail in menswear styling helps define the character's personality and his journey in the film.
This look for Kajol in the film 'Maa' was inspired by the fierce energy of Goddess Kali. We collaborated with designer Torani to create a custom black saree with a fluid, untamed drape, paired with a gold corset blouse that acts as modern armor. It’s a powerful statement on divine feminine strength, designed to be both beautiful and intimidating.
Here is a little glimpse of the magic on set with Mrunal Thakur. You can see her fully embracing the character of Rabia, from the custom jewelry to the layered outfits. It’s moments like these, where the actor feels the wardrobe is a true extension of their character, that make my work so fulfilling.
Behind the scenes of a pivotal wedding sequence. This is where the meticulous planning comes to life, with last-minute adjustments in the vanity van to ensure every detail of the embroidered lehenga is perfect for the camera. It's a team effort to create these iconic movie moments.
For Kubbra Sait's character Mehwish, we went for a look that was unapologetically bold and glamorous. This embellished sheer mini dress captures her character's chaotic and stardust energy. This is an example of creating a standout costume for a song sequence that needs to be memorable.
The logistics of costume design for a major film are immense. This was us arriving in the UK for the 'Son of Sardaar 2' shoot with over 100 bags of costumes, accessories, and materials. We don't travel light because every single piece is crucial for building the world of the film.
The official poster for 'Son of Sardaar 2'. Seeing the final look on the poster, with Ajay Devgn embodying the character we built, is an incredible feeling. This image, featuring a custom leather jacket and tailored suit, represents the culmination of our entire team's design and styling efforts.
About Featured
My work goes beyond the outfit. Whether I am sourcing unique vintage finds from a small shop in Goa or managing high-end designer labels, every choice is intentional. It is not just about the clothing. It is about how the fabric moves, how it reacts to camera lighting, and how it helps the actor embody their role. I personally oversee every detail, from pantone-aligned color palettes to the smallest jewelry pieces, to ensure the identity we build feels grounded and real.
Costume design is my form of storytelling. I do not just put clothes on actors. I build characters. When I work on a film, I dive into the script to map out the character's emotional arc through their visual identity.
The Process of Character Architecture
For projects like Son of Sardaar 2, this meant a total transition. We moved from earthy, desi tones to military-inspired sharpness. I utilized pantone-aligned color palettes like 'Beetle Wing' and 'Roasted Cashew' to ensure the visuals popped on screen. We coordinated with the cinematography team to ensure the fabrics performed under specific lighting setups, rather than just looking good on a hanger.
Logistics and Reality
It is not always glamour. Sometimes it means hauling 100 bags of costumes across the UK, sourcing accessories in Scotland, or conducting quick fittings in a vanity van before a big sequence. I treat every project as a massive team effort, relying on my assistants and dedicated dressmen to maintain continuity, handle rapid changes, and ensure the look stays intact through intense action scenes or long shooting days.
Bringing the Vision Home
For the film Maa, we drew inspiration from the raw, fierce energy of Goddess Kali. We worked with custom black sarees and structured corset blouses to create a sense of armor and power. My goal is always to make the audience believe in the character the moment they appear on screen. If you are looking to build a visual narrative that resonates, let's connect and start planning.
Radhika Mehra
I am Radhika, a costume designer who thrives on the energy of film sets. I believe every character has a unique voice, and my job is to help them speak through the colors, textures, and accessories they wear.
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